Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a mission in Maharashtra, launching development projects worth over ₹7,600 crore. This comes right after his historic third win in Haryana, where he took the opportunity to criticize the Congress party for its "divide and rule" tactics, particularly regarding Muslim voters. With elections approaching in Maharashtra, these initiatives are aimed at boosting his party's image and securing votes.
Major expensive infrastructure developments
One of the most notable projects is the upgrade of Nagpur’s Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, which will in itself cost around ₹7,000 crore. This project aims to enhance tourism and manufacturing in the Vidarbha region. Additionally, a new terminal at Shirdi Airport will be built for ₹645 crore, designed with a theme inspired by Sai Baba’s Neem tree to cater to religious tourists. These upgrades are expected to significantly increase passenger capacity and improve connectivity, which is vital for both local economies and tourism.
Education and skill development to attract youth
Modi also announced the launch of 10 new government medical colleges across Maharashtra in cities like Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, Gadchiroli, Buldhana, Washim, Bhandara, Hingoli, and Ambernath (Thane). These institutions will not only increase healthcare access but also expand training opportunities in specialized fields. The Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Mumbai, established in partnership with Tata Trusts and the Indian government, will focus on advanced training in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and data analytics.
The Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) will provide valuable academic resources through innovative tools like live chatbots - Smart Upasthiti and Swadhyay - enhancing learning for students and teachers alike. This initiative aims to improve educational outcomes by providing real-time data to help schools manage resources effectively.
Boasting about the classical language recognition
PM Modi also boasted about his decision to grant the classical language status to the Marathi language recently. "The Marathi language has been deemed a classical language status. The dreams of crores of Maharashtrians have been fulfilled, and they celebrated. I keep receiving messages from them,” he said.
There’s more to come
Looking ahead, PM Modi has promised even more ambitious projects:
- The ₹12,220-crore Thane Internal Metro, project will feature 20 elevated stations and two underground stations across a 29-km route. This metro line is expected to ease traffic congestion significantly in the Thane region.
- The much-anticipated Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, is set to enhance connectivity between key areas in Mumbai. The Aarey-Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) phase is particularly awaited by commuters.
Lining up the female votes
Women will play a crucial role in Modi's outreach strategy. The government has launched several schemes aimed at empowering women, including the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’, which offers a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 for underprivileged women. Additionally, initiatives like the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme continue to promote girls' education and welfare.
Political motives
With 48 Lok Sabha seats - the second highest in India after Uttar Pradesh - Maharashtra is critical for any political party aiming for national influence. The BJP's focus on development projects is seen as an attempt to counteract any anti-incumbency sentiments that may arise from economic challenges faced by the state.
Will it work though?
As PM Modi rolls out these initiatives in Maharashtra, it remains to be seen how effective they will be at swaying voters come election time. With significant investments in infrastructure, education, and social welfare, Modi aims to solidify his party's presence in this key state.
With all these developments underway, Maharashtra is set for significant changes that could reshape its political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections. The combination of infrastructure upgrades, educational advancements, cultural recognition, and social welfare initiatives paints a comprehensive picture of Modi's strategy as he seeks to secure support from diverse voter demographics across the state.
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